Study: Ex-smokers gain more weight than thought

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In this Tuesday, June 26, 2012 photo, Bartholomew Brown, a junior studying mechanical engineering at Cleveland State University, smokes as he reads a book between classes in Cleveland. (AP Photo/Tony Dejak)

July 11, 2012 12:13:41 PM PDT

UNITED KINGDOM --

A new study finds that people who quit smoking tend to gain more weight than first thought.

Researchers find that those who kicked the habit gained an average of 10 to 11 pounds after the first year with most of that weight gained within the first three months.

Nicotine boosts the metabolism allowing people to burn calories faster. Still, doctors say this should not discourage people from quitting. It's still much healthier not to smoke.